Georgetown Glow #2

During a recent stroll, we spotted another outdoor art installation connected with Georgetown Glow.  Check it out.  

Below is a close up view of the colorful strands.

What was especially interesting about the artwork was how the strands seemed to vibrate.  Even a slight breeze made the strands flutter, like the leaves of a Quaking Aspen tree.  You can see for yourself by clicking here.  

Museums: Phillips Collection #1 (Part 2 of 2)

Our visit to the Phillips Collection continues.

When we visited, the museum was hosting a temporary exhibition--Renoir and Friends--dedicated to impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir, plus painters he knew and friends he used as models.

SRH at the Phillips Collection

Caillebotte was a close friend of Renoir and was a subject in Renoir's paintings.

The photographer did not read the sign above until reviewing photos at home. 

The centerpiece of the exhibition was Renoir's masterpiece Luncheon of the Boating Party.

Featured in the painting are many friends of Renoir.  The description below describes how the painting was created and identifies the friends who were models for the painting. 

The painting has been thoroughly studied. It has been photographed with an infrared camera and even bombarded with x-rays.  The thorough study has revealed that the work was sketched, then painted and then modified again and again until Renoir was satisfied.

X-Ray Image:

Infrared Image:

Infrared photography and x-rays.  Who knew?

Thanks for visiting the Phillips Collection with us.

Museums: Phillips Collection #1 (Part 1 of 2)

DC is home to many, many museums.

One of the lesser known museums is the Phillips Collection, located near DuPont Circle.  The Phillips is an art museum founded in 1921 in the former home of the Phillips family, heirs to a steel and banking fortune.  The art collection is incredible, including masterpieces of some of the great artists the 19th and 20th centuries.  You can see a few examples below.  Enjoy! 

A surprise in the Phillips Collection is a room dedicated to to four abstract paintings by Mark Rothko.  If you like Rothko's work, like Greg does, you will enjoy spending some contemplative time in the Rothko Room.

A typical comment about Rothko's paintings are:  "I could do that."  Of course, a comment like that is true in part.  However,what makes Rothko's paintings especially noteworthy is understanding them in historical context and divining their symbolism.  Rothko was among the first abstract painters to abandon realism so completely.  So, the genius of his art is its originality.  Also, a viewer might understandably think the paintings are merely colored squares.  They are that, but if you spend some time looking at the paintings, you may begin to appreciate what they symbolize and how they make you feel.   

Next Up:  More art from the Phillips Collection.

Where do you live in DC? #2

Where do we live in DC?  

We live about 6 blocks from DC's newest monument.  This monument is the largest of its type . . . in the universe.  When it was unveiled, the lines to get in stretched around the block.  

What makes this DC monument unique is the food.  You can get a cheap cup of coffee to warm you on a cold winter's day.  You can get a great sandwich made to order.  You can even get a Red Bull and a Slim Jim--the breakfast of champions.  

Some people think Disney World is the happiest place on earth.  Others think this mew DC shrine is truly the happiest place on earth . . . in the universe.

Those already in the know have figured out that we are talking about Wawa, the greatest convenience store anywhere.  Wawa recently opened its largest store right here in DC and there was great excitement.  No joke.  The line to get in stretched around the block.  

We visited the largest Wawa in the universe once the initial hullabaloo passed.  We enjoyed the friendly service, we marveled at the size and amazing selection of junk food products and we sipped some hot coffee to shake off the winter chill.  

Of course, no post on this blog is complete without some photos.  Check it out.  

The DC Wawa is large--it seems to go forever.  Greg thinks they should add a tram to get around the store. 

Mmmmm.  Wawa coffee:  As good as Dunkin' coffee?

Some random hottie smiling about the new DC Wawa.

P.S.  If you need gas, this Wawa has no pumps.  Sorry. 

Brrrrr!

Greetings from chilly DC!

The big snowstorm grazed DC this week, blanketing us with a thin layer of snow and then dropping the daytime temperature into the teens.  The steady wind makes it feel even colder.  Brrrr!  

Needless to say, we are not venturing outside often or for very long.  When we do venture outside, we bundle up.  Thankfully, we brought to DC all of our winter weather gear.  (Thanks, L.L. Bean!)

Since seeing is believing, here are some photos.   

View from our terrace (12/4/2017)

Midday weather report (12/5/2017)

We hope you visit us soon.  Be sure to bring your parka, gloves and hat.